Commonly asked questions about placing orders for Key Stage 1. 

 
 Can I order tests from 2007 and 2009?

Yes. For 2012, you can order 2007 or 2009 versions of the National Curriculum tests, or a combination of both. Test orders must not exceed the number of children taking the tests. Teachers must ensure that children do English writing tasks and English spelling tests from the same year. 

Back to top
 Can I place a Key Stage 1 test order later if I tell you now that I don’t want to place an order?

Yes. To place an order go back to the Key Stage 1 test order page and untick the box which you had ticked to confirm that your school has sufficient task and test materials. The order form will then be unlocked and you will be able to place your order.

The deadline for placing orders was Friday 14 October 2011. Please contact the National Curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 to discuss this. 

Back to top
 How can I check my test order?

If you placed the order you will have received a confirmation email detailing your order. Please check the order confirmation email carefully to ensure you have ordered the correct quantities of test materials. Up until the order deadline, you can check your order by logging in to the Test orders section of the NCA tools website. The most recent order that has been placed will be displayed here. 

Back to top
 How do I know which tasks and tests to order?

To help you decide which version of the tasks and tests to order, sample materials for both 2007 and 2009 National Curriculum tests are provided on the Key Stage 1 order form. To view a sample, hover over the information icon and click on the sample paper link. The sample paper will open as a PDF in a new window. 

Back to top
 How do I notify STA that I do not intend to place a Key Stage 1 test order?

Visit the 'Key Stage 1 tasks and tests' page on NCA tools. Above the order form there is box for you to tick to confirm that your school has sufficient tasks and tests materials and does not wish to order anything for this year. If you tick the box the screen will refresh and save your change.  

Back to top
 How do I place a test order for Key Stage 1 National Curriculum tasks and tests?

Step 1: Log in to the NCA tools website

Step 2: Click on the ‘Test orders’ tab at the top of the page

Step 3: Select ‘Key Stage 1’ from the left-hand menu

This will allow you to view all materials available for Key Stage 1.

Step 4: Determine which tasks and tests you want to order

For 2012, you can order 2007 or 2009 versions of the National Curriculum tasks and tests, or a combination of both. You can also order 2001 mathematics task packs on the order form. Teachers must ensure that children sit English writing tasks and English spelling tests from the same year.

Step 5: Place your test order

  • Click 'Edit' to activate the order form
  • Enter the number of children participating in each task and test and select ‘Recalculate'.
  • If you do not have any children working at the level of the tests, you can either submit a zero return by placing '0' in all available boxes, or tick the box above the order form to confirm that your school does not wish to order anything this year.
  • Select 'Submit' to confirm your test order.

Step 6: Test order confirmation

- Both the user who places or edits the test order and the headteacher will receive email confirmation of the order. Please check this confirmation to ensure you have ordered the correct quantities of test materials.

- All test orders can be viewed or edited by revisiting the Test orders section of the NCA tools website.

Step 7: Log out

When you have completed your session, ensure you log out of the NCA tools website. To do this, select the ‘Log out’ option on the Test orders or NCA tools homepage. 

Back to top
 How do independent schools order National Curriculum tests for Key Stage 1?

Independent schools that wish to take part in the National Curriculum tests and have these marked by STA were able to place their test orders through the NCA tools website up until the deadline of 14 October 2011.

Independent schools that do not wish to have papers marked by STA, or who have missed the deadline, can order these from the STA Orderline. These will be delivered in May once the test period is over. Orderline contact details are:
 
STA Orderline
PO Box 29
Norwich
NR3 1GN
Tel: 0300 303 3015
Fax: 01603 696 487
Email: STAorderline@tso.co.uk

Back to top
 I have enough tasks and tests left over from last year. Do I have to place an order?

If you have enough 2007 or 2009 tasks and tests left over from last year you may use these, however you will still need to notify us so we know you do not intend to place an order. 

Back to top
 I have some 2007 tasks and tests left over from last year. Can I use these for some pupils and 2009 tasks and tests for other pupils?

Yes. You can still use your 2007 tasks and tests for the 2012 test cycle, and can order further 2007 tasks and tests or 2009 tasks and tests. Test orders must not exceed the number of children taking the tests. Teachers must ensure that children sit English writing tasks and English spelling tests from the same year. 

Back to top
 What can local authorities order?

For Key Stage 1, local authorities can order teacher packs. 

Back to top
 What is an early or late taker?

An early taker is a pupil that sits one or more of the National Curriculum tests but not all subjects in the one year.

A late taker is a pupil that has one or two subjects of the National Curriculum tests remaining to be taken. 

Back to top
 What is the 2012 test timetable for Key Stage 1?

Key Stage 1 teachers should use their discretion when administering tasks and tests with different groups of children throughout the school year. 

Back to top
 What test materials can be ordered?

Key Stage 1 schools can order either 2007 or 2009 materials at the required levels or 2001 mathematics task packs.

Local authorities can order their own copies of teacher packs and mark scheme packs for the standard tests. 

Back to top
 What was the deadline for placing Key Stage 1 test orders?

Key Stage 1 schools had one month to place their test orders. The Test orders section of NCA tools opened on Monday 12 September and closed on Friday 14 October 2011. STA is in the process of contacting schools which did not confirm their order requirements for the Key Stage 1 tasks and tests. If you have missed the deadline and have not yet been contacted you can phone the National Curriculum assessments helpline to discuss what to do next on 0300 303 3013. 

Back to top
 When I am placing an order, how do I allow for the number of early and late takers my school has?

When schools place an order for standard tasks and tests they should account for an estimated number of early and late takers. In addition to this, schools will automatically be sent at least 10 per cent more copies of each test paper, as a contingency. 

Back to top

Contact details

National Curriculum assessments helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 3013
Email: assessments@education.gov.uk